Centex Home Equity Corp. took control of the property in January, following a foreclosure against the previous owners, Floyd Jr. and Barbara Lee Redmon.

The Department of Buildings and Inspections had previously issued orders to keep the building barricaded and vacant and to obtain a vacant building maintenance license. The city put up boards to cover the windows, Halpin says.

The previous owners couldn't be reached for comment.

Andrew Cline, attorney for Centex Home Equity Corp., said the company had insufficient information to comment.

BLIGHT OF THE WEEK is an effort to highlight the problem of abandoned buildings -- and who's responsible for them.